Airbnb Check-in Time: When is Check-in & Tips for Coordinating
As a full-time digital nomad, I live in Airbnbs almost 100% of the time. Over the years, I’ve learned to quickly adapt and make myself comfortable in different “homes” across the world. I also work closely with several Airbnb Superhosts who have shared their insights on how to run a flawless short-term rental business.
Through this, I have become an expert on all things Airbnb. I can navigate the Airbnb app like the back of my hand. In this article, I’m going to focus on Airbnb check-in and tips for coordinating. Whether you are a host or a guest, read below to learn more!
When is My Airbnb Check-in Time?
It depends on your individual reservation and the guidelines set by the host, but the default Airbnb check-in time is 3:00pm (15:00) local time. There are instances when a host might set the check-in time for 2:00pm or 4:00pm; you will need to check in your Airbnb reservation to confirm. Your check-in will always take place on the first day of your reservation.
How to find your time for checking in
To find your check-in time, open your Airbnb app and tap the ‘Trips’ button in the middle of the bottom of the screen. This will lead to a screen displaying any current and upcoming reservations. Tap your reservation (I used Taghazout in my example).
On the left side of the screen, you will be able to see the date and time of your check-in.
Airbnb Check-in Policy: Coordinating Tips for Hosts
✅ Message your guest ahead of time – Prior to the check-in date, it’s good to message your guests and let them know you are available to answer any questions. This would also be a good time to communicate any rules, tips, check-in instructions, etc.
✅ Invest in keyless access or a lockbox – A seamless check-in process is key to a positive Airbnb experience. It sets things off on the right foot and is part of the guest review process. People checking into your Airbnb are often coming from a long day of traveling, so the last thing they want to do is stress out about entering their accommodations.
✅ Set a concrete meeting time and don’t be late – If you are unable to provide a self check-in option, make sure to agree on a meeting time to grant your guest access to the property. Simply message your guest through the Airbnb app and make sure to account for any time zone changes for those traveling.
Importance of Airbnb Check-in / Check-out Instructions
Having detailed check-in and check-out instructions will save you and your guests a lot of potential headaches. Check-in instructions are extremely important. Without this, your guests could show up at the address having no idea how to get inside the property they paid for. This results in a lot of unnecessary frustration for your guests.
Check-out instructions are important as well. Would you prefer your guest do the dishes or take out the garbage before they leave? Let them know in the ‘Checking in & out’ instructions on Airbnb. This way, your guests will not need to message you, saving you more time in the long run.
Recommended Times for Check-in / Check-out
The default check-in time is 3:00pm and the default checkout time is 11:00am. This gives your guest a comfortable amount of time so they don’t feel rushed to gather their belongings in the morning. It also gives the host ample hours to clean up and change the linens before the next guest arrives.
If this window is too tight for you or your cleaning crew, it’s perfectly fine to consider a check-in time of 4:00pm or a checkout time of 10:00am, especially if your property is larger. If you’d like to give your guests more time to sleep in or enjoy a relaxing breakfast, consider a checkout time of 12:00pm.
Checklists for Check-in / Check-out
There are certain items to include on your check-in and out instructions. This is key in ensuring that you and your guests are on the same page.
I’ve created a checklist below to provide items that must be included in your instructions for checking in and out.
✅ Access code for entry into building, door, or lockbox.
✅ Address and detailed instructions on how to get inside.
✅ Welcome message, reaffirming the check-in instructions.
✅ What to do with bed linens, towels, dishes, or trash before checking out.
✅ Reminder to lock all doors and instructions for leaving a key behind, if applicable.
Early Check-in / Late Check-out Times: Word of Warning
As a host, keep in mind that the earlier your guests check in and the later they check out means less time for you to prepare for your next guest. You should clearly state your check-in and checkout times in your House Rules. You can also state that checking in early or checking out late will result in a $40 fee (or whatever you’d like to charge). In order for Airbnb to back you, this must be stated in your House Rules.
After your guest books a stay in your Airbnb, send them a greeting message asking them to review the house rules before check-in. You can also send a “friendly reminder” on the morning of checkout to avoid any confusion.
What to do if a Guest Does Not Check Out on Time
If a late checkout was not agreed upon and your guest overstays their welcome, feel free to reach out to the guest via the Airbnb app, text/WhatsApp, or phone call. Remind them of the checkout time and see what’s going on. If nearby, you can even go knock on the door.
If things escalate beyond that, you can call Airbnb directly and ask for their assistance. Worst-case scenario, you can call in law enforcement to ask them to leave. Guests do not have a legal basis to stay on the property beyond what was booked, so it typically never gets to this point.
Checking into Your Airbnb: Tips for Travelers
Can you check in early to an Airbnb?
Yes, potentially! But it depends on the host and their situation. As a guest, you should ALWAYS message your host to ask if early check-in is available. It may be possible that their previous guest checked out several days ago and gave the host plenty of time to prepare the property for you. However, this may not always be the case, so it’s best to contact your host ahead of time.
How long does Airbnb check-in take?
If the advice in this article is followed and self check-in is utilized, the time it takes to check into an Airbnb should only be a few minutes. Some hosts will want to meet their guests and show them around, but even then the longest check-ins I’ve done have been around 15 minutes.
Do Airbnb hosts charge for early check-in?
If you message the host and they have availability for early check-in, they typically do not charge for this. In some cases though, I have had hosts say they charge extra for this, but it is rare. You can always decline to check in early if you don’t want to pay the fee. I like to take my luggage to a cafe and wait a couple of hours if I arrive before my designated time to check-in.
Are Airbnb check-in times flexible?
In most cases, it’s fine to check into your Airbnb later than the check-in time. Since every Airbnb check-in process is different, it’s best to review the instructions to see if checking in late will work. If all you need to do is type in an access code, there shouldn’t be any issues. If you need to check in with a person at a front desk, you should make sure that person will be there if you plan to arrive at midnight.
Related: Learn about an Airbnb where you can sleep with Alpacas in this post!
Conclusion: Getting into Airbnbs
When it comes to checking into Airbnbs, there are some strict rules and some flexibility. It’s always best to communicate with your guest or host to figure things out. I do not recommend going to Airbnb Support unless there’s an issue that cannot be resolved in the host-guest message portal.
Airbnb is an amazing alternative to the hotels and hostels typically used by travelers. It’s also a great way for property owners to earn additional income. I recently spoke with a host in New Orleans, who told me they made $90k per year through Airbnb and it was their full-time job! I thought that was pretty cool.